Despite losing decade, fans swarm Lions practice

DETROIT (AP) — Supporting the Detroit Lions hasn't been easy during the last decade. It's sort of like being the parent of a habitual 'D' student.

But that didn't stop 17,000 fans from swarming Saturday's open practice and autograph session at Ford Field.

Coach Jim Schwartz says he appreciates the support and believes Detroit has a solid group of players.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was signed as a free agent and tackle Corey Williams arrived in a trade during the offseason. The Lions also drafted tackle Ndamukong Suh, bolstering what Schwartz hopes will be a disruptive front four.

Detroit posted the league's first-ever 0-16 record during the 2008 season, then went 2-14 after rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford arrived.